From 2022 and Russia's military aggression in Ukraine, there is no way to look for Russian players and teams in most international games. This also concerned last year's Olympic Games in Paris, of which Russia and Belarus were excluded, except for 15 athletes who started with neutral status.
Russian hockey players will play for next year's IO? “Something must change”
Will it not change in the near future? It indicates more and more, if only because of the very good relations of the presidents of the US and Russia – Donald Trump and W³adimir Putin. A few days ago The Kremlin even announced about their joint proposal to play USA hockey matches – Russia.
The Russians, in turn, treat this as the basis for their restoration to the world sportstarting with ice hockey loved by Putin. The Olympic champion and the deputy of the state pride of Svetlana Żurowa speaks openly about this.
– After a declaration of both presidents, something must change in the International Federation of Ice Hockey (IIHF). They will not be able to ignore anymore sport Because of the policy, ”said Żurów in an interview with Vseprosport.
The Russians are also based on the fact that the new chairwoman of the IOC KIRTY Coventry was to send a clear signal, saying that athletes should compete regardless of political conflicts.
In the case of hockey, Russia and Belarus can expect the strongest opposition from another state that is counting in this sport – Latvia, which by law banned their athletes to compete with the Russian national team and will most likely protest against the admission of this staff to the competition.
– This is a completely politicized law that violates the Olympic card. If Latvia refuses to participate in the tournament due to the presence of Russian hockey players, only their athletes will suffer – Żurowa pointed out.